Well, I have to say this game looks to be awesome. Now, I have never been a tremendous fighting game person (I just never seem to take the time to learn the right combos), but that doesn't mean I don't LOVE to play them.

But for you "old-timers" out there, check out this mode:

Kombat Chess:

MK Chess is perhaps the most intriguing of the new modes, as it seeks to combine the MK aesthetic with the old school charm of Archon. In the presentation, that game was mentioned directly several times, and it appears the concept behind the mode is right on par with Archon's mix of strategy and action. For those unfamiliar with the game, it is essentially a form of chess, where players try to control the board and maneuver their pieces into power positions to be victorious. However, whenever two pieces meet on a square, there is combat—or in this case, Kombat—to determine who gets to keep that chunk of real estate, and who gets toppled. In this mode, you will have the ability to set a role for each of your fighters before going into battle, enhancing their abilities in strategic ways in order to ensure victory.

and

The set of chess players for the match is chosen from the current roster of playable characters. The more characters that players unlock, the more varied the armies become. In choosing the army, each character is assigned to a different spot on the chess board and gets the move set and strength reduction that comes with it. The pawns in the front only have half of a health bar to begin with, while the back row characters get more.

While playing the game, the different characters get to move around the 10 by 10 board and will initiate a regular 3D fight once opposing pieces come into contact with each other. The attacking character gets a health boost and, if they're standing on one of the green squares, another boost as well. Even though the defending pieces have a disadvantage, there's still a fighting chance to put up a defense.

Instead of moving around, some pieces can also cast spells on other characters on the board. Other characters can be killed from afar, imprisoned in a cage, or healed up to help out a teammate. These spells need to be recharged for a second use so they're being balanced for more strategic gameplay. With a mix of fighting and careful movement on the board, Chess Kombat is opening itself up for a variety of ways to play. It's all pretty impressive for a side project.

These are excerpts taken from the IGN preview.

And... this mode is LIVE baby.

Way cool!

Logged

LD

"Let your enemies fear, for a harlequin of the Laughing God dances at your side."

MK meets Archon?!? This game went from off my radar to a damn near must-have...I have fond memories of the first two MK games in the arcade, and Archon is one of my personal favorite games of all time (its actually on my top 50 list). Damn you Winter 2004, why must you have so many AAA games! *Shakes Fist*

Yes... as if my and Devil's games didn't already take forever to play, we have just found a game mode that will exceed even our monumental standards. (don't even ask how long it takes us to play a 9 inning baseball game).

We should probably petition for a "save game" mode in Kombat Chess Devil, as I highly doubt you and I would get through a game in the course of one sitting!

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I must say, (if they don't make any major blunders), this mode alone is going to make the game a first day purchase for me. I have often wondered why an extremely well done and more complex version of Archon has not been remade. Granted, I wouldn't necessarily call this "complex", but the fact that the creators are adding this mode bodes well for the future of that sub-sub-genre.

I am also glad to see there is some interest in this sub-game from others here at CG. I am really hoping the whole package runs smooth as silk over LIVE.

Way to go MK:Deception developers!

LD

Logged

LD

"Let your enemies fear, for a harlequin of the Laughing God dances at your side."

Go to the Mortal Kombat Deception Home Page and click on Warriors. 14 of the supposed 23 (or more, I forget) are noted there. I would guess maybe by Friday or Monday there would be a complete list...then again, maybe they want to keep the rest secret *shrug*.